Inorganic Chemistry — Definition, Formula, Properties & Uses | AllChemicals | AllChemicals

Also Known As	Inorganic chemistry, mineral chemistry, metal chemistry

What is Inorganic Chemistry?

The branch of chemistry concerned with the properties, reactions, and synthesis of inorganic compounds — those not based on carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. It encompasses the chemistry of metals, minerals, coordination compounds, and organometallic chemistry.

Properties & Characteristics

Inorganic chemistry is the branch of chemistry concerned with the properties and reactions of inorganic compounds — those that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. It encompasses the chemistry of all elements, coordination compounds, solid-state materials, minerals, organometallic compounds (overlap with organic), and industrial inorganic processes. Major sub-fields: main group chemistry, transition metal chemistry, lanthanide/actinide chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, and solid-state chemistry.

Uses & Applications

Inorganic chemistry underpins: production of industrial chemicals (H₂SO₄, HNO₃, NaOH, Cl₂, NH₃), materials science (semiconductors, ceramics, catalysts, superconductors), environmental chemistry (atmospheric gases, mineral cycling), biomedicine (platinum anticancer drugs, Gd MRI contrast agents, iron metabolism), and analytical chemistry (AAS, ICP-OES, XRF).

Safety Information

Inorganic chemicals span the full range of hazards: heavy metal compounds (toxic), fluoride compounds (corrosive), oxidising agents (KMnO₄, K₂Cr₂O₇), radioactive elements (actinides), and toxic gases (Cl₂, H₂S). Each compound must be assessed individually using its SDS.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Inorganic Chemistry

Index All "I" terms

Synonyms Inorganic chemistry, mineral chemistry, metal chemistry

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Inorganic Chemistry?

The branch of chemistry concerned with the properties, reactions, and synthesis of inorganic compounds — those not based on carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. It encompasses the chemistry of metals, minerals, coordination compounds, and organometallic chemistry.

What is Inorganic Chemistry used for?

Is Inorganic Chemistry hazardous?

More "I" Terms

Ideal Gas Ideal Gas Law PV = nRT | R = 8.314 J/(mol·K) Ideal Solution Ideal solution: Raoult's law holds; ΔH_mix = 0, ΔV_mix = 0 Ideal Solution Indicator Visual pH/endpoint indicator; e.g., phenolphthalein: colourless (acid) → pink (base) Indicators Indium In Induced Dipole Induced dipole: α × E (α = polarisability; E = electric field) Inert Gas Inert S Pair Effect Infrared Spectroscopy IR: 4000–400 cm⁻¹; C=O at ~1720 cm⁻¹ Inhibition Ki = [I]×Km / ([S](Vm/v − 1))

View all "I" terms →